Class Description

Have you ever wanted to write a memoir or collection of personal essays but didn’t know how to begin? Or maybe you just want to dip your toes into the genre by generating new work? Or you are having a writer’s block and need to break through to the other side. This supportive and inspiring course is for all of you, no matter where you are starting from. We will use short readings by both traditional and experimental writers along with inspiring prompts to generate new work. Sometimes we will use photographs, objects, and other ephemera to spark memories. Each of you will have the opportunity to share aloud what you have written in class or expanded at home. Throughout this class we will explore voice, description, point of view, memory, setting, dialogue, landscape, structure, time, and all the elements that make up memoir and other forms of creative non-fiction. We will also talk a little about experimental approaches to creative non-fiction, such as incorporating lists, epistolary writing, images, or poetry into one’s autobiographical work. There will be some short reading assignments to do at home, and optional writing assignments for those who wish to expand what they have done in class. SEE WEEKLY COURSE OUTLINE ATTACHED AS AN IMAGE! INSTRUCTOR MIRA BARTÓK is the author/illustrator of the New York Times bestselling memoir, The Memory Palace, which won the 2012 National Book Critics Circle Award. Her writing has appeared in many places, including the Massachusetts Review, Jubilat, Another Chicago Magazine, Fourth Genre, the Kenyon Review, Psychology Today, Tikkun, the Bellingham Review, among others. She has also written and illustrated over 35 books for children, most recently, The Wonderling: Songcatcher, which was long listed for the UK’s Carnegie Medal and is currently in development for a feature film. The sequel, The Wonderling: Singing Tree, is forthcoming from Candlewick Press and Walker Books UK. She is also a Fulbright Scholar in Folklore and Anthropology, specializing in the oral traditions of indigenous circumpolar peoples. She believes that stories are the lifeblood of a culture and would love to help you tell yours.

Cancellation Policy

If you withdraw from a workshop TEN DAYS OR MORE before the start of the class: You'll receive full credit toward another workshop OR a full refund (minus 10%, a transaction fee that is non-refundable and that we would otherwise be charged). If you withdraw from a workshop nine days before the start of the class up until 48 hours before: You'll receive a refund minus 20%. If you withdraw from a workshop less than 48 hours before the start of a class or after the class has begun: We cannot offer credit or any refund. If you are absent on the day of your workshop or miss it for any reason, we are unable to offer any kind of refund or credit. If we have to cancel a class you have paid for, you will receive a full refund, without the service charge deducted. For our full listing of policies, visit www.PioneerValleyWriters.Com, Policies page (under Home). To withdraw and receive a partial refund according to the above, please get in touch with Joy at joy@pioneervalleywriters.org

Contact Details